Choosing the right academic path often begins with understanding the subjects you study. Two terms that students frequently come across, social science and social studies may sound similar but have different meanings, purposes, and career scopes.
While social science focuses on studying human behaviour, society, and its structures through research and analysis, social studies introduces students to topics like history, civics, geography, and culture at the school level to build civic awareness and critical thinking.
If you’re an Indian student aiming to study in the US, UK, or othertop universities from any other country, knowing the difference between social science and social studies is key.
What is the Differences Between Social Science and Social Studies?
Though social science and social studies sound similar, they differ in purpose, content, approach, and real-world applications.
Social Science is the systematic and research-based study of human behaviour, society, and its institutions. It includes specialised fields like sociology, economics, political science, psychology, and anthropology, focusing on understanding social patterns, relationships, and decision-making.
Social Studies, on the other hand, is an integrated school-level subject that combines history, civics, geography, and culture to help students understand society, develop civic awareness, and build social responsibility.
The table below highlights the key distinctions:
Aspect
Social Science
Social Studies
Purpose
To research, analyse, and explain social patterns and structures.
To educate students about society and develop civic awareness.
Subjects
Sociology
Economics
Political Science
Anthropology
Psychology
International Relations, etc.
History
Civics
Geography
Basic Economics
Culture
Scope
Broad and specialised
Focuses on advanced academic research and professional expertise.
Introductory and general
Builds a foundation for understanding society.
Methodology
Uses analytical, scientific, and research-based techniques like surveys, experiments, and data analysis.
Relies on classroom learning, discussions, storytelling, and projects.
Level of Study
Studied mainly at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.
Primarily taught at school level as part of the syllabus.
Career Prospects
Opens roles in:
Policy
Research
HR
Data science
International relations
Development sectors.
Mostly supports careers in:
Teaching
Education
Community services.
Social Science vs Social Studies: What is the Syllabus?
The syllabus for social studies and social science differs in terms of depth, subjects, and level of study. While social studies is part of the school curriculum, social science comes into focus at higher education levels with specialised courses and research opportunities.
What does Social Studies include?
At the school level, social studies is designed to build awareness about society, history, and governance. It integrates multiple subjects into a single curriculum, focusing on civic responsibility and cultural understanding.
Typical topics covered in school-level social studies:
History: Ancient, medieval, and modern periods
Civics: Rights, duties, government structure, and democracy
Geography: Landforms, climate, environment, and natural resources
Basic Economics: Trade, budgeting, and economic growth
Culture & Society: Traditions, diversity, and heritage
The goal is to familiarise students with society’s structure and functioning, preparing them for higher learning.
How Basics in Social Studies Lead to Social Science?
The foundation built in social studies paves the way for exploring social science disciplines at higher levels.
Students gain a basic understanding of society, politics, and history through social studies.
At college and university levels, these subjects are studied in-depth as individual disciplines within social science.
For example:
Basic civics -> Political Science
Cultural studies -> Anthropology or Sociology
Economic concepts -> Economics and Development Studies
Thus, social studies acts as the entry point for pursuing specialised social science fields.
What are the Specialisations in Social Science and Social Studies?
The scope of social studies and social science varies widely. While social studies offers integrated learning at the school level, social science provides in-depth, specialised fields at higher education levels.
Understanding these specialisations helps students choose the right academic and career paths.
What are the Specialisations in Social Studies?
Social Studies specializations focus on teaching methods and community engagement. For example, Western Illinois University offers 11 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs.
Social studies is part of the school curriculum and introduces students to a broad mix of subjects rather than offering separate specialisations. However, it focuses on five key areas:
1. History
Understanding ancient, medieval, and modern events
Learning how societies, cultures, and nations evolved
2. Civics (Political Awareness)
Basics of democracy, governance, and citizens’ rights
Understanding laws, policies, and administrative structures
3. Geography
Study of landscapes, climates, resources, and human settlements
Awareness of environmental issues and sustainable development
4. Basic Economics
Introduction to trade, budgeting, money management, and markets
Developing financial literacy from an early stage
5. Cultural & Social Awareness
Exploring diversity, traditions, and heritage
Promoting tolerance, equality, and global citizenship
Social studies builds a strong foundation for students who later choose to specialise in social science disciplines.
Sociology: Study of social behaviour, institutions, and cultural norms
Economics: Analysis of markets, resources, and economic systems
Political Science: Governance, policymaking, and political structures
Anthropology: Human evolution, culture, and social development
Psychology: Human behaviour, cognition, and mental processes
Emerging & Interdisciplinary Specialisations:
International Relations: Global diplomacy, trade, and foreign policy
Development Studies: Poverty, sustainability, and economic growth
Criminology & Forensic Studies: Crime patterns, law enforcement, and justice systems
Environmental Studies: Climate change, policy, and sustainable development
Gender & Migration Studies: Equality, social justice, and human rights
Many top universities abroad offer interdisciplinary programs combining social sciences with data analytics, policy research, and technology, opening doors to international careers.
Social Science vs Social Studies: What are Higher Studies Opportunities Abroad?
While social studies provides a foundation at the school level, social science opens up a wide range of opportunities for higher education abroad. Leading universities worldwide offer specialised programs, interdisciplinary courses, and research-driven degrees that prepare students for global careers.
Popular Undergraduate Courses
BA in Sociology / Anthropology / Political Science
BSc in Psychology / Behavioural Science
BA in International Relations / Global Studies
BSc in Economics / Development Studies
BA in Criminology / Public Policy
While social studies isn't offered as a standalone degree abroad, its school-level concepts act as a stepping stone for these specialised programs.
Popular Postgraduate Courses
MA in Social Sciences (interdisciplinary)
MSc in Data Analytics for Social Research
MA in Development Studies / International Affairs
MSc in Environmental Policy & Sustainability
Master’s in Public Policy / Human Rights / Gender Studies
Research and PhD Opportunities
For students interested in academic and research careers, top institutions abroad offer PhD programs focusing on:
Comparative Politics
Global Development Studies
Social Psychology
Migration & Human Rights
Digital Society & Behavioural Analytics
What Top Global Universities Offer Social Science Programs?
The following global universities offer social science programs.
Social Science vs Social Studies: What is the cost of Studying?
The cost of studying social science abroad varies depending on the country, university, and program level. While social studies is a school-level subject, social science involves undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs that require tuition, living expenses, and other fees.
Understanding the costs helps students plan their higher education effectively.
Top Universities’ Tuition Fees for Social Science:
What are the Career Prospects in Social Science and Social Studies?
The career opportunities differ significantly between social studies and social science, reflecting the level of study, specialization, and global applicability. While social studies primarily builds a foundation, social science opens doors to specialized, research-driven, and international careers.
Top Careers After Social Science Degrees
Graduates in social science can pursue a variety of high-demand roles across sectors:
Policy Analyst / Public Policy Expert – advising governments or NGOs
Economist / Development Economist – working in financial institutions, think tanks, or global agencies
Sociologist / Anthropologist – research, academia, or consultancy
Psychologist / Behavioural Scientist – clinical, research, or organisational roles
International Relations Specialist / Diplomat – global organizations or embassies
Data Analyst for Social Research – leveraging statistical and research skills
Social science careers often combine research, analytical skills, and global exposure.
Careers Related to Social Studies Education
Students with a social studies background can pursue careers focused on education and community development:
School Teacher / Educator – history, civics, geography
Educational Consultant / Administrator – managing school programs
Community Outreach Coordinator – NGOs and local initiatives
Social studies provides a strong foundation for teaching and civic engagement careers.
What are the International Job Opportunities?
Social science graduates have access to global career paths with competitive salaries. The following table gives approximate salaries that you can expect to get abroad.
Job Role
Average Salary (USD)
Average Salary (INR)
Policy Analyst
$60,000 – $90,000
₹50,00,000 – ₹75,00,000
Economist / Development Expert
$55,000 – $85,000
₹46,00,000 – ₹71,00,000
International Relations Officer
$50,000 – $80,000
₹41,00,000 – ₹66,00,000
Data Analyst (Social Research)
$50,000 – $75,000
₹41,00,000 – ₹62,00,000
Sociologist / Anthropologist
$45,000 – $70,000
₹37,00,000 – ₹58,00,000
Salaries vary based on experience, country, and employer.
What are Emerging Fields in Social Science?
The modern job market increasingly values interdisciplinary skills, combining social science with data, technology, and policy analysis:
Data-Driven Social Research – using analytics for policy, urban planning, or social programs
Behavioral Economics & Policy Design – applying psychology and economics to decision-making
Digital Governance & Public Policy – technology-enabled civic solutions
Sustainability & Development Analytics – global projects on climate, development, and society
These emerging fields offer high-demand roles with global relevance.
How to Choose between Social science and Social studies?
While choosing between the two disciplines, you should consider the following:
Academic Level:
Social studies is ideal at the school level for a broad understanding of society, history, and civics.
Social science is suited for higher education with specialisation and research opportunities.
Interests:
Social studies focuses on society, culture, geography, and civic awareness.
Social science involves research, critical thinking, and in-depth study of disciplines like sociology, economics, and political science.
Career Goals:
Social studies supports teaching or foundational roles.
Social science opens pathways to policy, research, international careers, and higher studies abroad.
Global Opportunities: Social science offers wider options for studying and working internationally.
Skill Development:
Social science develops analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
Social studies builds civic awareness and foundational knowledge.
Time Commitment:
Social science requires long-term dedication through UG, PG, and research programs.
Social studies is school-focused and short-term.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between social science and social studies is essential for making informed academic and career choices. While social studies provides a foundation in society, culture, history, and civic awareness at the school level, social science takes a deeper, research-driven approach, offering specialisations, higher studies, and global career opportunities.
For students planning their educational journey, starting with social studies helps build awareness and basic knowledge, while transitioning to social science allows them to pursue specialised disciplines, research, and international prospects. Social studies is the stepping stone, social science is the path to advanced learning, global exposure, and specialised careers.
FAQs
Can social studies knowledge help in pursuing social science later?
Yes. Social studies builds a strong foundation in history, civics, geography, and culture. This knowledge helps students transition smoothly into social science disciplines like sociology, economics, or political science at higher education levels.
Are social science and humanities the same?
Not exactly. Humanities focus on subjects like literature, philosophy, and arts, while social science emphasizes research-based study of society, human behaviour, and institutions. Both are related but differ in methods and applications.
Is international relations considered part of social science or social studies?
International relations is a social science specialisation at the higher education level. While social studies may introduce basic concepts, in-depth study, research, and career opportunities in this field fall under social science.
Do social studies and social science overlap in subjects at any level?
Yes, there is some overlap in foundational topics like history, economics, and civics. However, social science goes much deeper, focusing on specialised research, analysis, and practical applications, whereas social studies remains introductory.
Which field requires stronger analytical and research skills?
Social science requires significantly stronger analytical and research skills. Students engage in surveys, experiments, data analysis, and policy evaluation, whereas social studies focuses more on conceptual understanding and civic awareness.
Can a social studies background qualify for global social science programs?
Yes. A strong foundation in social studies prepares students for undergraduate programs in social science abroad. Admissions often consider academic performance, critical thinking, and interest in social disciplines.
How do interdisciplinary programs combine social science with technology or data?
Many universities offer interdisciplinary courses blending social science with data analytics, AI, policy design, and digital governance. These programs prepare students for emerging global careers where social insights and technology intersect.
Are there online or distance learning options for social science degrees abroad?
Yes. Several universities provide online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in social science disciplines. These flexible options allow students to gain international exposure and skills without relocating immediately.
Does social studies help in competitive exams like civil services or public policy exams?
Knowledge from social studies, including history, civics, and geography, is highly relevant for competitive exams. It builds a foundation for analytical thinking, current affairs, and societal understanding needed in these tests.
Which field offers better opportunities for scholarships or financial aid abroad?
Social science programs generally offer more scholarships and financial aid opportunities due to the research, global policy, and development focus. Many universities provide merit-based, need-based, and international student funding options.
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